Graphic // National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
IT’S NOT JUST FLU SEASON ANYMORE. RSV and COVID-19 cases are rising along with the Influenza virus.
How you can protect yourself and others from infectious disease
By: Rafael Tortolero and Mira Costello
Multimedia Specialist & Editor-in-Chief
Recently, the number of people seeking medical help due to respiratory illnesses has increased.
Seasonal influenza is prevalent across the country and continues to increase, COVID-19 cases have elevated in multiple areas of the country and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases are moderately declining. The level of viral activity in wastewater is also high, as those infected often shed the virus into sewage. The presence of COVID-19 and Influenza in sewage is high while the RSV presence is moderate.
According to the CDC’s RESP-NET tracker, the hospitalization rate for these three viruses was 5.1 per 100,000 in the first week of December 2024, spiking to 18.2 per 100,000 during the first week of January. After fluctuating throughout January, the rate was 18.3 per 100,000 on Feb. 1. The flu has had the most dramatic jump, with a rate of 1.2 per 100,000 during the first week of December 2024 and a rate of 10.2 per 100,000 by the first week of January.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is rising around the country. Even though the levels in wastewater are high, not many people are seeking professional help. Most of the people being hospitalized are older adults. The 2024-2025 COVID vaccine is expected to be effective against the current variants.
RSV cases remain elevated but it is slowing down in multiple areas of the nation. Most people seeking professional help for an RSV case are children, and hospitalizations are higher among older adults. The disease is most dangerous for infants and elderly adults.
Seasonal Influenza remains high and it is expected for it to keep increasing all over the country. Influenza A strains have been the most common, which are not types of avian flu. The CDC reported that 2% of deaths in the U.S. were attributed to flu in the week ending Feb. 1, with over 48,000 people admitted to hospitals with the virus that week. The 2024-2025 flu vaccine, available for free at many drugstores, is effective in
While “bird flu” (H5N1) has featured prominently in the news, the CDC reports a current low risk to public health with no confirmed person-to-person spread. Of the 68 confirmed human cases, zero are in Indiana, and most were from dairy herds. However, animals continue to be at risk, with nearly 160 million poultry birds and 12,000 wild birds infected as of Feb. 14. Over 900 dairy herds have been affected, and some household pets have been reported sick or deceased after eating affected meat. There is no current bird flu vaccine for humans, but experts recommend avoiding undercooked eggs and poultry as well as raw (unpasteurized) milk.
Other airborne pathogens have also seen outbreaks in certain states, with a tuberculosis outbreak infecting at least 67 people in Kansas since January. Other outbreaks have not been reported, but about 80 cases of latent tuberculosis – where the infected person shows no symptoms at first or at all – were found in Kansas, making it difficult to track.
Tuberculosis vaccines last about 10 years and can likely be updated at the same place you receive a flu shot.
Finally, there is an active measles outbreak in Texas, with 48 confirmed cases as of Feb. 14, most of which are in patients 0-17 years old. All patients were unvaccinated against measles, and Texas officials believe up to 300 people in the area are likely infected but not yet tested or treated. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) is highly effective for preventing the extremely contagious disease.
There is no standard timeframe for adults to receive updated MMR vaccines, and they are generally considered lifelong although immunity can decline over time.
Receiving immunizations is not the only way to prevent respiratory illnesses. It is recommended to keep good hygiene and clean air in your home. Although there are no current mandates, the CDC and state health departments still recommend wearing an N95 or similar respirator mask, especially if you feel sick.
Many vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised people, may be medically unable to receive vaccines, instead relying on those around them to take precautions to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
Some mask-dispensing towers in IU South Bend campus buildings have been restocked, while others are no longer there; you can find respirators at most drugstores and hardware stores or online.
Most of these illnesses have cold-like symptoms and can mostly be treated with over-the-counter medication, but if you experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, new confusion or are not able to stay awake, it is recommended to seek emergency medical help.
If you test positive for any of these viruses, it is recommended to stay away from others to prevent the spread, at least until there are no symptoms present and you are fever-free without any medication for 24 hours. After that, it is still recommended to take precaution for the next five days.
